Hamilton South tenants put safety and maintenance at centre of community tour

newy.com.au – Hamilton South tenants have raised safety, maintenance and community wellbeing as their key priorities during a community walking tour attended by Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, local police and Homes NSW.

Mr Crakanthorp visited the neighbourhood on Thursday with the Hamilton South Tenants Alliance to hear directly from residents about issues affecting local tenants and what they want addressed.

The tour was part of ongoing work between the Alliance, government agencies and other stakeholders to give tenants a stronger voice in decisions affecting Hamilton South, including social housing and local neighbourhood concerns.

In April 2025, the NSW Government committed $450,000 over three years to the Alliance for a tenant-led renewal project. The funding is aimed at supporting community members to take part in shaping the future of the Hamilton South neighbourhood by building a group of local leaders with lived experience.

The project is intended to strengthen residents’ understanding of social housing and government systems, and improve their ability to work with decision-makers and agencies on local issues.

“As the local member, one of the most important parts of my job is talking directly to the local community to see what is working well and where improvements need to be made, so I can advocate for appropriate supports to be implemented,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“Today’s walking tour is a great opportunity to listen to residents, to hear about their lived experience, and work with other stakeholders and agencies in response.

“Working collaboratively with the Hamilton South Tenants Alliance, local Police, Homes NSW, and the residents, is the most effective way to see real outcomes in this community and fosters understanding between all groups.”

Suman Lahiry, of the Hamilton South Tenants Alliance, said the tour gave tenants an opportunity to speak directly with those involved in housing and community safety.

“We are very pleased to welcome the member for Newcastle, Police and Homes NSW to Hamilton South for our Community Tour to engage directly with tenants about our lived experience and key issues,” Mr Lahiry said.

“We’ve heard from the community that safety, maintenance and enhancing community wellbeing are the top priorities going forward.